Deal Reached on CBAM Simplification Reforms
CBAM momentum builds — a deal has been reached on EU simplification reforms, export-leakage guidance is expected from the Commission in June, and Serbia is advancing plans for domestic carbon pricing to align with CBAM.
At a Glance:
- Deal Reached on CBAM Simplification Reforms
- CBAM Export-Leakage Guidance Expected in June
- Serbia Prepares Carbon Pricing to Align with CBAM
Deal Reached on CBAM Simplification Reforms
The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have reached an agreement on the CBAM simplification reforms, supporting the new de minimis mass threshold under which imports of up to 50 tonnes per importer per year will not be subject to CBAM rules. This new threshold is expected to exempt around 90% of importers while still covering 99% of emissions from imports of iron, steel, aluminium, cement, and fertilisers.
Co-legislators also agreed on changes to simplify key elements of the CBAM, such as the authorisation process, emissions calculation and verification rules, and the financial liability of authorised CBAM declarants, while also strengthening anti-abuse provisions.
The next step is for the deal to be formally endorsed by both the Parliament and the Council.
CBAM Export-Leakage Guidance Expected in June
At a recent event, the ERCST - European Roundtable on Climate Change and Sustainable Transition launched a report analysing the potential extension of the EU CBAM, providing a comprehensive assessment of key considerations for both vertical and horizontal expansion. During the event, the European Commission confirmed that it will publish a formal communication on export leakage risks in CBAM sectors in June 2025.
Serbia Prepares Carbon Pricing to Align with CBAM
Jovana Joksimović, Assistant Minister of Mining and Energy for International Cooperation and European Integration, announced that Serbia plans to adopt a domestic carbon pricing mechanism to align with EU CBAM requirements — an important strategic move aimed at preserving market access and avoiding potential tariffs on exports of in-scope goods to the EU.
Planning Ahead: Navigating CBAM as a Manufacturer
As global supply chains face increasing scrutiny under new environmental policies, non-EU manufacturers exporting to the EU must prepare for the definitive phase of the EU CBAM starting in 2026, to support readiness, we’ve published a practical guide outlining the essentials of CBAM, who it affects, key timelines, and how manufacturing companies can prepare.